Timeout Object Problem: Can't recreate scaling error

Question

In my movie there is a function that scales 3D objects over
time using a timeout object. The 3D objects are in an array that is
shuffled each round, and based on the outcome of the array shuffle,
some 3D objects are scaled and some are not.
I have been testing this for a while and it almost always
works as I anticipate, however I have encountered some events
wherein unexpected 3D objects are scaled. To track down the error,
I have been tracing the results of the array shuffle, as this is
what drives the scaling. When I encountered an event where
unexpected objects were scaled I recorded what I thought was a
“bad” array shuffle. Then, disabling the array shuffle
function, I set the shuffle result to my “bad” array. I
expected it would recreate the problem (unexpectedly scaled
objects) however it worked accurately this time around.
Are there any rules regarding timeout objects that are
commonly broken that may be causing this? Does a timeout object
behave any differently in the Director environment than it does in
a published projector? Any broad or general tips (sorry I
can’t post the code) are appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi
In the "fShrink", function the variable called "sTimeout" is
a string:
sTimeout = String("ShrinkTimeOut"+(_system.milliseconds));
in the function "fShrinkLoop", the second parameter being
passed in is the timeout object. Therefore in this function, the
variable called "sTimeout" is a timeout object.
The thing to remember is the object that sends the message
determines what the parameter is (it doesn't matter what you name
the parameter).
In the case of Timeout objects, the first parameter is the
object that Director sends the timeout callback message to (in this
case, your model object... and since your model doesn't have a
method for handling the response, Direct tries the global name
space instead - but still conveniently sends the reference to the
'callback object' as the first parameter). The second parameter is
always a reference to the timeout object itself.
(on a side note - you have taken advantage of a quirk with
timeout objects that let you pass parameters with timeout callbacks
by using the 'callback target' but letting a movie script handle
the callback). If you want to send more than one parameter, you
have to bundle them together into a single paremeter object).
-- Luke